New Cars for 2017: Porsche

Charting the changes for 2017.

Macan: In addition to the GTS trim level, Porsche adds a new base model powered by a turbocharged 252-hp 2.0-liter four. All Macans receive recalibrated power steering said to enhance feel and on-center response. New safety features, including a rear-view camera and lane-departure warning, are now standard across the line. See first drive review ››

Panamera (shown above): Porsche’s four-door cruise missile might be all-new for 2017, but you’d not know it at a glance. Sure, the rear roofline slopes more steeply toward the decklid, a much-needed proportional tweak, but the Panamera’s new shape doesn’t differ significantly from the car it replaces. Its powertrains, however, are revised. Two models, 4S and Turbo, will be introduced first, and each will come with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed ZF dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 4S will offer a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6 good for 440 horsepower, up 20 from the current Panamera 4S’s 3.0 twin-turbo V-6. A new twin-turbo 550-hp 4.0-liter V-8 will replace the Turbo’s 4.8-liter mill. Prices will increase by $1690 and $5600 for the 4S and Turbo, respectively. Rumors of a 4.0-liter diesel V-8 persist, though the climate surrounding diesels in the United States might well preclude its release. Additional powertrains, including an entry-level V-6 and a plug-in-hybrid model, are due later. See official photos and info ››

718 Boxster: Fully redesigned and powered by turbocharged four-cylinder engines, the 718 Boxster and Boxster S now yield 300 and 350 horsepower, respectively. What these Boxsters lack in high-rpm, flat-six shriek, their new engines deliver in apex-stomping torque. Indeed, for the first time in the car’s history, you’ll need to carefully meter the throttle at corner exit. Unlike many dedicated sports cars, the Boxster remains a genuinely usable street car that’s as comfortable with uneven back roads as it is with L.A. freeways. Though its styling is fresh, it’s also restrained. Dimensionally, the 718 Boxster is nearly identical to the outgoing car. Its power softtop neatly opens or closes in nine seconds. See first drive review ››

718 Cayman: Still a Boxster with a fixed roof, the Cayman and Cayman S have changes that mirror those made to its Boxster brothers. Power, torque, dimensions, weight, and performance remain virtually identical between the cars. See first drive review ››

911: If a new, naturally aspirated 911 is on your bucket list, Porsche sends its apologies; every variant of the 911 will be turbocharged for the 2017 model year. Fortunately, you’ll still have choices, as Porsche will offer 14 versions of the rear-engine classic. Ten of those will be powered by the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six producing either 370 (Carrera) or 420 horsepower (Carrera S). Bigger brakes and a new infotainment system are standard. The four remaining 911 models capitalize the “T” in Turbo. A 3.8-liter flat-six fed by two turbos pumps out 540 horsepower (580 in S trim). The 911 Turbo remains the world’s most livable junior supercar. Purists shouldn’t lose heart over the 911’s switch to enhanced aspiration; our sources reveal that we haven’t seen the last of the naturally aspirated 911. The outgoing GT3 and GT3 RS were free-breathers, and while we mourn their loss, their replacements should also offer a high-rpm wail unfettered by turbo impellers. Those models, however, are years out.